At 55, Chris Lamont didn’t expect to discover a new passion – BMX racing. An elementary school teacher, father of two, and long-time Comox Valley resident, Chris found himself flying down the track with the Coal Hills BMX Club, rediscovering the joy of his youth.

But one summer ride ended abruptly. A bad fall left him with cracked ribs, a swollen hip, and serious injuries to his hand.

“I knew right away it was bad,” Chris recalls. “My hand was a mess, my ribs hurt to breathe, both shoulders were screaming. It wasn’t just a tumble – it was a full stop.”

At Comox Valley Hospital, the Emergency team and Medical Imaging technologists quickly assessed the damage.

“The scans showed the extent of my injuries,” says Chris. “Two fingers needed stitching, one knuckle had to be replaced, and another finger was dislocated. I’m still in awe of the skill and precision of the doctors who put me back together.”

After surgery and recovery, Chris did something remarkable – he got back on the bike. Competing at the BMX Canada Nationals in Nanaimo, he placed second in all three races, despite lingering soreness.

Chris is sharing his story to highlight the importance of diagnostic imaging in our community. The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation and the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare have launched a campaign to replace aging ultrasound machines and invest in a state-of-the-art mammography unit. With more than 104,000 diagnostic procedures performed each year, these upgrades are urgently needed.

Having this level of care close to home makes all the difference,” Chris says. “It’s not just about fixing broken bones – it’s about restoring our spirits and helping us return to the things we love.”